Do you need trays when mounting gear in a rack?

[Lysrin]

Wasn't sure about the correct topic placement for this one. Mods move this if you think it belongs somewhere else.

I'm looking to mount some stage audio equipment in a rack, ideally to a wall, and haven't done that with audio, home theatre, or computer stuff before. Two pieces of gear, one 3U and one 1U, both 19". I understand what the 3U and 1U mean.

If I was to buy something like the linked below to wall mount the gear, do I need some kind trays or sleds to put the gear on in the rack to support the weight, or is just mounting them to the front of the rack where they line up sufficient?

StarTech 6U wall mount rack - Amazon.ca

 

[Izerous]

For short things like smaller switches often the ears are enough. Get any bigger and you need rails. On that note looking at that rack it appears to only accommodate shorter things that likely don't support rails in the first place, even the rack itself doesn't appear to support rails.

 

[JD]

As long as you don't need access to the back of the devices, this is fine. I have the 12U version of it on my basement wall for all my network gear. I just hooked up the power cables before mounting as the rear of the devices are basically inaccessible.

Make sure the depth is sufficient though, 12" is probably the maximum if you have a power cord in the rear.

I think Startech only gives you "half" the number of cage nuts if you were to fill every spot, but with just 2 devices that should be fine.

 

[Lysrin]

Thanks guys. I posted this question then wasn’t able to check back until now.

Both the devices, an audio rack (d snake) and headphone amplifier are both 8” deep and there’s only power and a few other cables at the back. Regular three prong style power cables like on a PC power supply, and a couple XLR cables.

So given that depth and cables, 12” should be sufficient you think?

And thanks about the tip for the cage nuts.

I might end up going to more than 6U, just in case. I was thinking an extra 2U was enough for future expansion but you never know. A bit more space for the price is likely wise.

 

[JD]

So given that depth and cables, 12” should be sufficient you think?

The rack itself is a bit over 13" I believe, I was just keeping an inch for cables as the minimum. I know my USW-Enterprise switch is awfully tight Sounds like you'll be fine if the devices are only 8", plenty of space.

I might end up going to more than 6U, just in case. I was thinking an extra 2U was enough for future expansion but you never know. A bit more space for the price is likely wise.

I try to keep 1U of space between things , but I guess that's personal preference. Figure some room for airflow/heat to escape is always good.

 

[lowfat]

Have you checked FB marketplace for a rack? Got 1 15U cabinet for free and the other for $50. The free one even came w/ a couple shelfs and both came w/ 48 port patch panels.

 

[Lysrin]

Have you checked FB marketplace for a rack? Got 1 15U cabinet for free and the other for $50. The free one even came w/ a couple shelfs and both came w/ 48 port patch panels.

Hmm. I did not. Perhaps I shall. Thanks!